The Faces and Colors of South India: William (Bill) Hetzer

 In 2011 I traveled to India, my first trip abroad since retirement. I was looking forward to the visit. I had been to India twice while working, but those missions were short. Little time was left to experience let’s say, “the real India” outside the purview of the office.

My two and a half week vacation took me to South India. After arriving in Delhi from New York, we immediately proceeded on to Chennai. From then on we had a comfortable mini bus to cover many miles overland while experiencing the beautiful sites, sounds, tastes and colors of this enchanted land.

Last month I was asked to make a presentation about my photographic work at a women’s luncheon in Albany., NY. In preparation I researched my photo archives and decided to end my talk with a short video — “The Faces and Colors of South India”. The production was inspired by the many wonderful memories I accumulated during my trip, especially the open generosity of the people I met along the way.

I soon realized I was amongst a very special group who loved to have their picture taken. Initially I was cautious when approaching groups of young people or a worker at an outdoor brick making factory. I did not want to intrude or impose just for the sake of an interesting photograph. But to my surprise, everyone wanted to be part of my experience. I was rewarded by their smiles as we shared images on the camera’s small digital screen. And more often than not, people of all ages tapped my shoulder to be next to have their portrait taken.

One vendor at the flower market in Puducherry allowed me to shoot as long as I wanted if I agreed to send along some prints upon returning home. I promptly sent them off to the Central Puducherry Flower Market, 3rd stall on the left in the second row. I hope my work is proudly displayed there today.

I now have a portrait portfolio (informal but mostly serious) of beautiful children and adults that for me captures the human essence of South India. I have selected several of these portraits for the XUNICEF web site.

Bill Hetzer may be reached at <whetzer305@aol.com>

You can see Bill's album here